MORE THAN A MAMA – ASHLEY WINNING

This weeks More than a Mama is Ashley Winning, wife, mother of two gorgeous little girls and boss lady extraordinaire who manages her own business, The Motherhood Circle, a safe, nurturing space designed for mums to be able to talk with other mums about their fears and struggles and to learn and share with each other evidence-based information – empowering each other to be the best mamas they can be! Something we can definitely relate to here at Mama loves to share.

We had a chat to Ashley about The Motherhood Circle, her top tips for managing both family and work life and advice she would give to other mamas who are thinking of starting their own business, Ashley’s favourite quote is also one of the best we have ever heard! Read on…!

MLTS: Thanks so much for chatting with us Ashley, tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.

Ashley: I’m Ashley, wife and mother of two gorgeous girls aged 1 & 3. I live on the North Gold Coast in Queensland, I enjoy swimming, listening to music, reading and spending time with my family.

MLTS: I think swimming would would be up there as one of our favourite things to do too if we lived on the Gold Coast! So tell us, what inspired you to start your own business?

Ashley: Motherhood inspired me to start my own business. The flexibility of being available to work from home, around my family and not have to travel long distances during peak times. I’ve also always wanted to be a business owner, it just makes sense to lead your own way in life and be in control of your own professional and career development goals.

Ashley:I work with pregnant women who want to overcome isolation, overwhelm and exhaustion so they can feel confident, supported and nurtured during the transition to motherhood. I run free monthly workshops “How to have a Peaceful Postpartum for expectant parents” Pregnant & new mothers can find support in my free online Facebook support group & there is a resource & blog section on my website that I am adding to weekly!

MLTS: What a wonderful idea. Becoming a new mum is so overwhelming, we love that there is people like you offering guidance and support. Tell us about your own work life balance, how do you go about caring for your own home and your two girls all while managing The Motherhood Circle?

Ashley:It is challenging at times and I have found that working on my mindset has been very advantageous. I have been investing in myself as a person to grow and learn, which means I have been working with business coaches, masterminds and nurturing relationships with other passionate women in business. Being surrounded by empowering women has really helped that mindset shift from, I have to do this all on my own- to I need a community of support to support me and my family. I enjoy meditating to ground myself and focus on my WHY I am in business and why it is so important that I continue my work.

MLTS: That’s awesome Ashley, I’m sure lots of our readers will be able to take on that advice and apply it to their own lives. A circle of support, networking and positive relationships are so important if you want a business to succeed. What are your tips for other Mamas who may be wanting to start their own business but don’t quite have the confidence yet?

Ashley: The best way to grow your confidence is to start, with one foot in front of the other, taking time to reflect back and see just how far you have come. Celebrate the small wins- they are just as important as the big ones. I am amazed at everything I have accomplished in less than a year. I am so proud of myself and am empowered as a woman and mother. I now lead with a motto- I can do anything I want in life (and I believe it). Join business support groups on Facebook. Go to networking lunches and meetings. Make friendships with other business owners. Spend time practicing daily self-love and care. Put yourself out there & live outside your comfort zone!

MLTS: That’s some more kick arse advice there! Love it! And out of work? What’s your fave activity to do as a family?

Ashley: I am a very playful person, so I love having a good laugh and roll on the floor with the girls. They are at an age where everything is fun to them. My favourite activity this summer would have to be swimming!

MLTS: Awww, kids are just the best at helping us escape the pressures of work life arn’t they! So cute. And last but not least, share with us your favourite quote/motto that helps you in your life.

Ashley: I have so many favourite quotes. I think my absolute favourite at the moment is ‘I believe in Mothering the Mother’.